Fire Occurs in Pond Elementary Restroom

Pond Elementary students were evacuated from the Wildwood-based building this morning when a fire broke out in a boys' restroom.

Assistant Principal Alicia Bottorff said the fire occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m, and that all students and staff evacuated the building through the six exits to various parts of the property's parking lot via predetermined door captains.

"All emergency procedures were followed, no one was hurt, and it was comforting to see that all of protocols for situations, such as this, worked just as they should," said Principal Carlos Diaz-Granados.

crews were called to the scene, however a Pond custodian immediately used a school fire extinguisher to put out the fire when it occurred, said Bottorff.

Fire department officials determined the building was safe, and students returned to class at 11:15 a.m., according to a Rockwood district statement.

Capt. Kenneth Williams, , said the cause of the fire, including it allegedly being started by a Pond student, was being investigated. He said the fire's epicenter started in the paper towel dispenser in the restroom.

"A student of the school was identified as possibly being involved, and his parents were contacted," said Williams. No further details could be released regarding any involvement of juvenile aged students.

Diaz-Granados issued an Alert Now voice message to Pond parents regarding the incident.

's Chief Communications Officer Kim Cranston said the district's policy on damaging or defacing property states:  "Any damages to school property due to willful or inappropriate behavior will result in payment for damages. In addition, the student will be suspended up to ten (10) days out-of-school and a referral to legal authorities may result. There may also be an additional 170 days suspension recommended and a referral to legal authorities may result. Any willful damages to staff property resulting from a school-related situation will result in payment for damages. In addition the student will be suspended 1-10 school days and a referral to legal authorities may result."